Over the hills and far away... that's the opening line from my daughter's fave tv program, Teletubbies. She must be thinking, what kind of place is this? Not being able to see much grass in her life (that's what we get for living in a cosmopolitan city like Hong Kong). If I bring her to a golf course like Mission Hills Golf Club, she's probably gonna think that's where the Teletubbies live.
We were lucky enough to be invited to a nice barbeque party for a friend's birthday celebration in Lantau. My hubby and I were thinking it would be the perfect Easter Day celebration and would be nice to see Lantau. I have only been to the Big Buddha temple before, but not to the main island.The 45 min ferry ride was horrible (that's me being sick from the boat... and hating the smell too!) but as soon as we got there, the air was fresh, the water was nice and there were greens everywhere. It's refreshing to see place with no cars, no noise and no pollution (something Hong Kong is pretty known for). And, I found it cute that people travel using bicycles... and I'm not talking about the cool mountain bikes, but the old classic ones. What I liked the most were the seafood restos we passed by but didn't have the time to try them. We even saw some people catching cockles. Now, I'm craving for vongole pasta! Yum. Past the restos and the beach (about a 10 min walk) was finally the village where the party was at. It was a lovely house that had a beautiful garden, with a fish pond and all. In, Hong Kong that is a luxury!
My daughter was really happy to be around nature (and people for that matter!) and stepped into the grass barefeet. She loved it so much that she was walking and walking and walking as much as she can. She even liked the big dogs around (I admit I was the scaredy cat). She was so happy that she was smiling and laughing most of the time. My friend told me he's never seen any baby like her, very very sociable! She was even listening to another guest play the guitar, while dancing to his music! I must say my daughter is a party girl (starting young eh?)! She enjoyed the cucumber salad and the homemade sausages while I was munching away on the lambchops and garlic bread. Had a few glasses of wine too and that made me a wee bit happier! Was good to be with friends having fun on the garden with their children running around. Once you start having kids, you would start yearning to be with other co-moms and share views on baby's sleep patterns and potty training. What made my day was when one guest told me that her friend was reading my blog. I thought I knew everyone who reads it and that all were just close friends who were being supportive. She told me her friend loved the stuff I have been posting! Now, all the time I've been spending on the computer is worth it!
There were no Easter eggs, bunnies or religious ceremony (I don't think anyone was Catholic). Not the usual Easter I have been exposed to (having lived in Manila for most of my life where Holy Week is a big deal). But, what mattered the most is that my family was together and we enjoyed a simple celebration! Now, I'm sure Jesus or God would be happy about that! Amen!
P.S. Nope, we are not moving to Lantau inspite of the greenery and the peaceful atmosphere but, would consider visiting the islands more with baby especially this summer. For those who haven't been to Lantau, brave the ferry and see the "better" side of Hong Kong. And, don't forget to bring your camera (I did, stupid me) and some insect repellant spray.
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